tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42763003279850460292018-03-08T09:17:17.528-06:00Just a vapor...Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-72090985597423939862008-04-01T18:03:00.002-06:002008-04-01T18:39:43.718-06:00April Fools Day 2008Hello again. It's been awhile. The longer I wait in between, the more that happens that I can write about. Phoebe is rolling over now. She is all over the place when we put her on the floor. It's very cute. She is getting on a schedule and we haven't even hit the six-month mark yet. I'm so glad. Life gets so much easier when the baby gets onto a schedule. She is in the crib for the most part, but occasionally when she cries in the middle of the night I will put her in the bassinet in my room so she doesn't wake her siblings. That is easier than standing there next to her crib until she goes back to sleep. If I put her in the bassinet, I can lay there massaging her until she goes back to sleep (usually within a few minutes). Saul and Esther still wake me up once each on average to use the bathroom. That's okay, though, since I go back to sleep fairly easily.<br /><br />I don't remember if I made note of it last time, so I will this time.<br /><ul><li>8 lb 1 oz, 20" at birth</li><li>9 lb 1oz, 22 1/2" at two weeks</li><li>can't remember two months</li><li>16 lb 1 oz, 27" at four months</li></ul><p>Yesterday afternoon, Chad finished typing up the final paper he needed for his next level of certification and put it in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mailbox</span> to send off. As soon as he got back in the house, he realized that he had forgotten to include some important dates for the info, so he went back out to get the envelope. As he was coming back into the house the second time, we see the mailman coming around the corner. "Oh well", we thought,"we'll have to wait to send it tomorrow." Not more than five minutes later, Chad walks in with the mail and shows me an envelope with his next level of certification inside. He already had gotten it. We laughed outright at the timing. Chad had been putting off writing that paper for some time and just as soon as he was obedient to do it, God gave him the certification. He had written a paper a couple of years ago that they had apparently kept on file without informing him of it, so he thought he needed to do another one. Anyway, I'm writing this so we can remember God's faithfulness to us. It probably won't mean much to anyone else.</p><p>I think we have found a house that will fit us well. We are excited. We have wanted one for a long time. We had our eye on another one for about the last six months or so, but God never gave us the go-ahead. A friend of mine told me about this one several months ago but I truly wasn't interested. She mentioned it to me again last week, so we looked into it and we were very pleased with what we found out. It's more our style- simple and comfortable. We'll easily be able to bring in our old furniture and not feel bad about it. I'll try to keep this updated, but it may be several months before I blog again.</p><p>Abram and I just went for a walk around the block and decided to have a little race on the track at the middle school. He left me in the dust, but at least I was able to run. It felt good. I think that I could have beaten someone 10-15 years older than me probably (a woman anyway).</p><p>I didn't play any jokes on anyone today. Next year maybe.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-33743662560557067622008-03-19T20:59:00.002-06:002008-03-19T21:13:49.562-06:00Spring TomorrowOkay, tomorrow is the first day of spring. Says who? The equinox? Whatever! We'll see. We had a short but severe storm Monday evening. We got to witness a straight-line wind over 60 mph in the backyard. Talk about pick up some dirt and throw it! We have no grass back there due to the dogs and the swimming pool that we put up last year, not to mention the fact that we live in west Texas. Anyway, some good news to report is that Saul has learned to ride his bike without the training wheels. He is thrilled! And really fast. Good thing the wheels are only 12" in diameter or he would really get away from me in a hurry. Esther likes to ride her bike (with the training wheels) just as leisurely as Saul does speedily. She is all lady.<br /><br />Phoebe is rolling over now. Sometimes she sleeps in the crib in the boys room and the rest of the time she sleeps in the bassinet in our room. Either place, she sleeps all night. When she is in the crib, she is all over the place. It's funny! She is five months now and a little sweetie.<br /><br />We are frantically trying to finish up our school year by May. Oh, I can't wait for a break. I think it is official that we will not have any more children. We love the ones that we have, but I just don't know if I can continue to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">homeschool</span> if I have any more babies. I am about worn out. And homeschooling my children is important to me. Plus, I'm not getting any younger you know.<br /><br />My hair is growing out nicely for the first time in years. I actually am liking it. I'm kinda just letting it do what it does naturally, and it is going pretty well. I've about got it back to its natural color also. That's a first with it long! You know I'm getting older now. I've been reading Anne Frank's diary the past couple of days. I never did when I was in school. It makes you think. I sure sweat the small stuff, I've realized.<br /><br />Good night, for now.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-41019375301794325232008-01-08T21:24:00.000-06:002008-01-08T21:46:55.002-06:00Happy New Year 2008Hello!!! Yes, I only blog three times a year on average. One down, two to go. Phoebe laughed tonight at Naomi. It was so sweet. I couldn't get her to laugh at me for love or money. <br /><br />Started a new school schedule this week. I asked Chad to set one up for me. We needed some structure or we weren't going to get anything done by May. The new line-up went great yesterday. I didn't get good sleep last night, so today was only mediocre. Phoebe has been sleeping through the night for about a week. Friday night we moved her out of our room. It was great! I love that kid, but I sure don't want her sleeping in my room. Anyway, last night she fell asleep early, around 7 p.m., and wouldn't eat again at 9 p.m. or so. I figured she wouldn't make it through the night, and she didn't. That's okay. Each day is a new day. Tonight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">she</span> went to bed at 9, and the last thing she did before sleep was eat. I shouldn't see her again until morning. I'm still not going to spend too much time at this computer, though.<br /><br />A young man rang the door bell rather excitedly this evening around 8:30 p.m. Chad was in the shower, all the kids were in bed, and I was feeding Phoebe. I peered through the peephole to see who was wanting our attention so badly. I had never seen this guy before. I did notice that he was wearing a Hustler t-shirt though. I didn't open the door. Sorry, but he didn't seem to be in any danger. As a mom of five small children, or I should say young children since Naomi is not that small, I really don't feel like dealing with strange men after dark. I couldn't offer much help anyway. Maybe he was selling something. I really need to get a No Soliciting sign. Yes, maybe I am a stick in the mud, but I am going with my gut feeling here. We live on a cul-de-sac, too. I don't think his car broke down. Enough on this subject.<br /><br />We are thinking about buying a house soon. Pray that we would have wisdom and discernment. We really want to do the right thing in this. Pray that emotion would not lead us, but sound mind. We have wanted a home to call home for many years. As it nears, I get a bad case of butterflies in my stomach. Change is tough for me. I know we shouldn't stay in the rent house for much longer, but I dread getting used to something else. The funny thing is that it usually doesn't take me long to get used to the new place anyway. We have moved several times already. On a side note, everyone in our life group has a house for sale next door to their home. Talk about peer pressure! I feel guilty when I am not interested in those homes. I'm beginning to wonder of waiting until summer might be a better choice. More competition though. Everyone wants to move in the summer.<br /><br />Well, it was good to be back. See you in about three months.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-27410994499768825782007-09-18T21:45:00.000-06:002007-09-18T21:58:36.965-06:00Well, it's past the fourth of July, isn't it. I can't even remember that far back. Oh yeah, we played volleyball (not I, but Chad) with the other life groups from our church at a local park. Fast forward to today- September 18, 2007. It's a Tuesday. Yesterday was a REAL Monday! I had an awful day, therefore my kids had an awful day because they live with me and my husband and their father was out of town. We prayed last night for a better day today, and once again He came through for us. Schooling went well this morning, no one broke their neck on the trampoline that doesn't have a net yet, I got a short nap this afternoon, my doctor appointment went well, the kids ate their dinner with no problems, we had a nice evening walk together, and they were all clean and in bed by 8:30 p.m. I also got to talk to my brother for over an hour tonight on the telephone. More fun and laughs. I told him this will probably be the last conversation for a while other than "hi and bye" since the baby is due in the next month or so. The doctor told me that all my gained weight seemed to be baby weight (Hurray!) and that the baby is still in the right position and doing well. Apparently, the baby's size is a week ahead of what it should be measuring at this point, so maybe I will have it a week early. All of my others have been early, but I won't count on it. The due date is Oct. 26th. Well, that's enough for now. I'm tired. Good night.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-55702397008378390212007-07-03T11:41:00.000-06:002007-07-03T12:07:07.869-06:00Last week I went to see <em>Evan Almighty </em>with two of my friends. It was really funny. I have not seen a good comedy in quite some time, so it was very enjoyable to watch this one. There was about a 15-minute span there in the middle of the movie where I could hardly catch my breath from laughing. They just kept on pouring it on. It had some good biblical truths in it, too. It certainly won't replace the Bible, but it was a good reminder of God's sovereignty. <br /><br />It has continued to rain here in west Texas. We haven't had any flooding, thankfully, but way more precipitation than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ussual</span>. The temperatures have been about twenty degrees cooler than normal which is great for the pregnant women, not great for swimmers. We have still managed to swim once or twice a week in our new pool. The water turned green once but cleared up after I shocked it. Chad has been swimming with the kids quite a bit, which they absolutely love. He horses around a lot more than I do, needless to say. Yesterday I was out adjusting the water in the pool when I noticed clouds overhead and long grass all around me. This was mid-morning so I was feeling rather energetic. I hurriedly grabbed the lawnmower and proceeded to mow the yard in a fine mist. It was great! I kept cool, got some exercise, and the lawn looks good. I was telling Chad last night as we cleaned up the kitchen how it is funny that I can easily mow the grass with a push-mower, but it is all I can do to put the 13x9 inch pan back in the bottom cabinet under all the other baking dishes. He put it back for me, by the way.<br /><br />Our life group is going well. We are really growing in our relationships with our other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">groupees</span>. It is very nice to have people around you to encourage you in your walk with the Lord. Tomorrow for the fourth of July, we are going to a local park for fun and games with other life groupers. Hopefully it doesn't get rained out. I will be watching as others participate in games such as volleyball, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">frisbee</span>, and something else. Hamburgers are on the menu, I believe. I think that everyone from our group will be growing.<br /><br />I have decided to start back in with the schoolwork at the beginning of August. That will give me a jump start before the baby is born. Well, gotta go. The kids are hanging on the back of my chair while I try to type which just doesn't work. They want to go outside.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-30456618862859910532007-06-25T16:00:00.000-06:002007-06-25T21:52:06.759-06:00Naomi arrived home a little earlier than expected Friday afternoon. We had to jump out of the pool and race over to the church to pick her up. We were very glad to see her. Then we proceeded to go to CiCi's Pizza for dinner that night. It was a relaxed reunion. I bought Esther her first pair of flip flops on Saturday. She is so fond of them that she slept with them on her chest for her nap that first day. They are the first thing that she thinks of each morning. Chad and the boys went fishing Saturday morning while the girls and I went shopping for his Father's Day gifts. The kids were sick on Father's Day, so we celebrated it a week late. We got him a pair of athletic shorts and the new United CD. He said Saul has no fear when fishing, therefore Abram has gotten a lot braver too. Both boys love to fish just like their dad. Abram is now baiting his own hook, casting and taking the fish off the line. Apparently, Saul would just grab the fish right off the hook, and Chad had to hold him by his shorts so he could release the fish back into the water. That's my boys! I love for them to do that stuff with their father. What bonding!<br /><br />Back to Naomi- she had a great week at camp. She felt good except for having pink eye in both eyes! Wow! I had that once and it is pretty miserable in the morning. She told us that she drank hot chocolate and orange juice with breakfast and then Dr Pepper with lunch and dinner. No wonder she was dragging when she got home from camp. I told her that she was probably having withdrawal symptoms. She has never has that much caffeine in her life. That's camp for you. Freedom! Also they would stay up until ten everynight. Naomi grew up a lot last week. I'm so glad she got to go. She spent Saturday afternoon and evening with Alena and her family. It may have been too much after a week at camp, but she had fun anyway. It ended up being another late night for her.<br /><br />Sunday after church, both Paloma and Stran came over for the afternoon. The kids horsed around in the pool and rode bikes and played dress-up and whatever else they could think of to do. That evening we had life group. There were four couples including us and nine kids and two babies. It was total chaos (well not total) but still very good. I have come to the conclusion, and Chad agrees, that we will have to get a sitter at least to keep an eye on the little ones (and feed them and get them drinks) so that we can have discussion without being interrupted every five minutes. Esther was the main one whining. I think she has simply made a habit of it since being sick all of last week. Anyway you live and you learn.<br /><br />I am feeling much better this week. I had really been in a funk the past couple of weeks. Thankfully the burden seems to have lifted. It's funny how everything can look so bad when one goes thru a season like that. I just felt angry all the time. Everything seemed to get on my nerves. I'm grateful to feel like myself again. I'm sure Chad is too. Most of my discontent was aimed at him, whether he knew it or not. I have no doubt that my enemy was shooting arrows at me nonstop. Thanks to God though I came through it with not too many wounds.<br /><br />Right now our preacher is teaching on the different names of God. I continue to be challenged in my walk with Him. It is good. Not always fun, but good. Time for me to go to bed. I'm tired.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-45171329668690712882007-06-21T20:15:00.000-06:002007-06-21T20:40:04.268-06:00I pretty much just dragged around today. I am still dragging- probably won't write much. No, I am not sick, just worn out, I think. Esther was still feverish mid-day, but I hope that will be the last of it. Naomi comes home tomorrow. I'm ready. I miss her and I am anxious to hear all about her first camp experience. The first two nights that she was gone, Esther slept in her own room- I believe because she was feeling so sickly. Last night and tonight she insisted on sleeping on the floor in the boys room. I figured she would have wanted to sleep with them every night, but everything is different when there is an illness in the house. I wonder if Naomi will come back a little more independent after her week in the mountains. Either way, she and Abram are going to have to step up and help me more around the house because I cannot do it all. I see that more and more clearly each day. Alena, the girl that we co-host with another family from church, is here for the next month. She comes each summer from another country for six weeks to stay. We had her two summers ago full time. Last summer we had moved away, so another family picked her up. This summer, since we are back. we get to co-host. The other family keeps her most of the time, and we just take her a couple of days. Actually it is working out great because I am not responsible for getting her to all of her doctor appointments and so forth. She just comes here for a couple of days to have fun with the kids and to give the other family a break. She is nine, like Naomi, and comes from a family of six kids. She is second to youngest. Anyway, when she comes over, she is a big help to me without my even asking. I see that Naomi and Abram could be doing much more in the way of clearing the table, unloading groceries, andother little quick things like that. The timing is just right since I am about worn out. And really, the kids don't seem to mind. I've started asking them to help with extra things and it hasn't killed them yet. I never did anything as a child, so it is hard for me to realize what kids CAN do! They receive an allowance now and understand that it is for helping out with chores. I think Saul is ready for a little bit, too. He is so LOUD! Everything that he feels seems to come out in a yell or a whoop or a wail. Nothing quiet about him. That is simply how God made him. What type of man will he be, I wonder? Good night.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-56500735945558482292007-06-20T21:03:00.001-06:002007-06-20T21:19:35.884-06:00Wow! Is it really the middle of June? Where have I been? I don't even know. We just celebrated Saul's 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> birthday. He got to be sick. Isn't that special?! Then of course, all the others have followed suit. Naomi almost didn't get to go to camp. I sent her anyway. Hopefully all is well since I have not heard anything. They are only five hundred or so miles away, so there is not much I could do now anyway. Except pray. Since my last blog, I have finished up the kids' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">schoolyear</span>, went to my niece's graduation in LA, set up an above ground pool for the first time with Chad's help, of course, and prepared to send my daughter to camp in another state. I am past the half-way point in my pregnancy. All is going well there. The sun has arrived in west Texas, which is good if you want to swim, not so good if you are pregnant. Actually, I still am pretty comfortable. The old belly is starting to get in the way, though, especially if one is trying to hold sick kids in one's lap. I am trying to enjoy the summer, but the work never seems to end. God is faithful, as usual, I must admit. He has not given me more than I can endure (1 Cor. 10:13).<br /><br />I ordered the kids' curriculum for this upcoming year today. The total came in at less than $500. I am becoming realistic in what I will actually be able to accomplish during the school year, especially considering the birth of a baby at the beginning of it. I think I am at the end of my thoughts for today. I will hopefully try this again tomorrow. It is nice to be back.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-13777557473568648752007-03-15T08:51:00.000-06:002007-03-15T09:25:15.393-06:00Esther loves to pray at mealtime and bedtime. We don't always understand what she is praying, but she is faithful and the cutest part is that she often follows her prayers with the line "Jesus is coming" in a very sincere voice. We don't know where she learned it, but we love to hear her say it. I always reply, "Yes, Jesus is coming." We're to have faith like a child, you know.<br /><br />My good friend from Kentucky and her family were here to visit Tuesday evening and Wednesday. The first night they had dinner with us. She has three girls of her own, so we sat all the kids at the dining room table while we adults just ate in the living room. Well, Esther was sitting between two of the girls, both of whom she did not remember. To Esther they were complete strangers. While everyone else began eating their dinner, Esther just sat there tight-lipped and glancing around. Twenty minutes later when everyone was done and had left the table, Esther, finally sitting alone, began to eat her food. And she cleaned the plate. She did loosen up by the end of the evening, and we all had a wonderful visit. Yesterday we went to <em>Frontier Texas!</em> which is located here in town. It was really interesting and kid-friendly. It told of the history of this particular part of Texas through film, artifacts, and art. Saul and Esther had no problem staying with us. It was great!<br /><br />Last night I had my first Pampered Chef party. My friend is a consultant, so I hosted a party for her. There really are some fantastic products in Pampered Chef. Chad and I both like to cook; me mostly out of necessity. Therefore, most of the products really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">appealed</span> to me. I only had three people show up, but I have a couple who want to look at the catalogs. I love looking at the catalog!<br /><br />Today I think we will do a little shopping. I just noticed that Bed, Bath & Beyond has a clearance sale on sheet sets. I need to get some for the kids. Then we will just mosey on through the rest of that shopping center afterward. Stores like Old Navy, Ross, and others are there. Have a good day!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-51299991421466582592007-03-13T12:33:00.000-06:002007-03-13T13:02:58.664-06:00Wow! It's been almost two weeks since I blogged last. I guess I sort of checked out there for a while. I think it is partly due to being pregnant and tired right now and partly because of the homework that I have to do as part of my bible study class. Anyway, I've missed it!<br /><br />Earlier today, I tried to take a pregnancy test at the local health unit. The doctor who delivered Esther no longer delivers babies, so I had to find a new doctor. The new doctor requires that I bring in proof that I am pregnant, but it can not be a home pregnancy test. That is why the kids and I made a trip to the unit this morning. I had called yesterday to find out the procedure and was told "I think they do a blood test." Okay. She thinks they do a blood test. I arrived this morning during the designated hours and entered the nurse's office. She proceeded to ask me how many periods I had missed and since it wasn't two yet, I would need to do a blood test. The stipulation for that is that you could not have had any relations with your husband seven days prior to the test. If only the woman on the phone yesterday had given me some details! Anyway, I said I would come back in a couple of weeks because I wasn't in a rush anyway. My first appointment with the doctor is not until April 17th. Well, the nurse strongly encouraged me to do the blood test when I return, but I told her the urine test would be fine with me. She frowned at me like I was a 15-year-old schoolgirl. I left. It struck me as silly that she would want a housewife and mother of four to take a blood test for proof. Seems unnecessary to me. Either test will show proof of pregnancy. Meanwhile, the kids behaved themselves very well out in the hallway. Saul didn't like the idea of waiting out there, but Abram told me as we left that Saul tried to be defiant by not sitting in his chair like he had been told to do. However, when a lady walked out of the office, he quickly found a seat! She didn't even know he was supposed to be sitting down. I thought it was funny! He's not so brave yet.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-56598433562928138012007-03-01T12:31:00.000-06:002007-03-01T12:48:44.156-06:00It is much cooler today than it has been in over a week. Still nice, though, mid-sixties and sunny. I was able to get the kids to church on time yesterday for the evening meal without having Chad's assistance. It is so much nicer when he is with us. We sat at one of the kiddie tables. Obviously, we don't do that normally because Chad would never be able to fit his knees under one of them. I did so last night to give Saul and Esther some freedom and fun, and also so that I wouldn't feel obligated to try and talk to any grown-ups while attempting to keep the kids in line. After we ate, I also was able to get them to their individual classrooms and still manage to arrive at my destination with a few minutes to spare in which I could chit-chat with my friend before the session started. It's so nice to have friends. *Especially the ones that I can stay on the phone with for three hours! Whew!* My friend here in town and I are getting closer all the time. We took our daughters to watch a play Sunday after church. It was nice... and spontaneous. Chad has really made an effort in the past year to allow me to do things spontaneously with my friends. It has been so nice. I really try to allow him the freedom also to participate in things that come up suddenly. Actually, it is pretty easy for us to do so since we get to spend so much time together on a regular basis. I look forward to him getting home this evening. We had a nice talk last night before we went to bed. He had made good traveling time and was able to have a relaxing evening. I hope it goes as well today since bad weather is forecasted for the midwest. I have to run a few errands now, so I'll be signing off.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-7200767413245326542007-02-28T10:31:00.000-06:002007-02-28T10:41:35.484-06:00I just finished curling Naomi's hair. It looks lovely, and she is so happy. Yesterday I let her play around with my hair while I was reading with Abram on the couch. I think that was the high point of her day, if you can believe it. I was planning to let my hair grow, but I will definitely do it now. She enjoys fixing hair so much that it would be good practice for her to work on my hair. Maybe she will even learn how to braid it for me. Esther won't let her do very much with her hair because it knots so easily. I have had to start braiding Esther's hair every night before bed just to keep it from becoming a bird's nest while she sleeps. She has beautiful hair, but it is labor intensive. <br /><br />Chad left this morning to fly to St. Louis for a walk-thru at a base out there. He will be home tomorrow evening. We don't like for him to leave anytime, but now he will have to miss the Wednesday evening service at church, which he enjoys very much. It won't be as easy for me either to get all the kids settled for dinner. Actually it will probably work out just right since we usually have about 20 minutes to spare. I am supposed to lead my small group for the ladies' bible study tonight. I really like the women in my group. I didn't know any of them before we started. One of them homeschools also.<br /><br />I'm off for now. Bye.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-2585633695911843282007-02-27T07:50:00.000-06:002007-02-27T08:14:52.043-06:00Tuesday. The sun is shining beautifully again this morning. We have had just lovely weather for about a week or more now. I love it- sunny blue skies, cool breezes, spring. We try to get outside as much as possible. Chad likes to take an afternoon run, and Naomi usually rides her bike alongside him. Abram has been walking with me recently. He enjoys pushing the little kids in their cart. Sometimes we go on a family bike ride. That's what Abram likes best. It's fun. <br /><br />Only eleven weeks of school left. Wow! In the background, "Redeemer" by Nicole C. Mullen is playing. It is one of my all-time favorite songs. It moves me everytime I listen to it. I heard her sing it once at a worship concert with Michael W. Smith and others, and I was reduced to tears. No explanation for it except that it stirs up my spirit that much. We have been listening to a new station called Air1. It plays Christian music. Although it is not necessarily worship music, it is uplifting and it rocks! We have discovered all sorts of Christian bands that we like. Some of them are BarlowGirl, Skillet, Fireflight, and others. Really talented bands who love the Lord. Back to the subject of school, we are moving right along. Abram's reading ability is just improving by leaps and bounds. I'm very encouraged by their progress. I may start Saul in the fall on some little preschool workbooks. Something very simple. And I'll probably ask Naomi to start reading to him and Esther more often. Abram will be able to read to them, also. He already does.<br /><br />I can hear the kids getting a little rowdy in the living room, so I'll have to sign off for now.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-16752626781976652492007-02-24T21:06:00.000-06:002007-02-24T21:53:36.954-06:00Just part of being a momThursday night I stayed up practically all night with kids. Abram stumbled into our room at about 11:40 p.m. (only about an hour after <em>I</em> had gone to sleep). I noticed a light coming from the hallway and assumed he had turned on the bathroom light. Well, when I got there I saw that he had actually turned on his bedroom light. Now, Abram just about sleepwalks. I can't say for sure that he does, but he often doesn't remember getting up by the next morning. Anyway, he had pulled everything off the bed except the fitted sheet (thankfully!) and dragged it across the floor. He also had pulled up the blinds on his window, which I had to fight with for about a minute to get back down. Poor Saul was sitting up in his bed wondering what had happened and why the light was on. I sent Abram to the bathroom and proceeded to make the bed again. After I finally got them settled back in for the night, I returned to bed. Less than an hour later, Saul came out needing to use the restroom. Okay. Less than an hour after that, he came out again saying he needed a drink because his throat was dry. After putting him to bed that time, I decided it would be a good time to run the dishwasher. *There is enough hot water in the middle of the night and it doesn't affect baths or clothes-washing.* I went back to bed and not much later, Saul came in crying that his ear hurt. I realized then that I needed to give up the idea of actually getting any sleep. By that time, it was somewhere around 3:oo a.m. I tried laying down with him in his bed, but he kept whining and tossing and turning. So then we tried the rocker. While I rocked him, he just couldn't get comfortable at all. He simply did not feel good. Around 3:30 a.m. I heard the girls talking in their room. I went to investigate and they walked out saying that Esther needed to potty. I sent Naomi to bed and tended to Esther. I got them back in bed and asked Saul if he wanted to try the couch. We tried that but it didn't work very well. Finally, at 5:10 a.m. we went to my bed. I figured it would be alright if we woke up Chad at this time because he was about to get up anyway. And I was exhausted! I just wanted to lay down on my own pillow! Chad later told me that Saul did flop around for a little while but then fell into a deep sleep. We slept until about 6:30 a.m. thankfully. Saul said that his ear was still bothering him, but he never felt feverish to me during the night only uncomfortable, which was good. After he ate breakfast, he ran outside to play with Abram, never showing any signs of pain or illness since. I was glad but didn't recover as quickly. I think after my two-hour nap <em>today</em> I may have finally recovered. What I did realize though last night(the night after) was that my prayers had been answered. I had prayed as I had cared for Saul all that night that God would heal him- and He did! After a whole night of feeling bad, Saul was as if nothing ever happened by the end of breakfast. It was a miracle. Really neat to see in hindsight. He never even showed any signs of suffering from missing out on a night of sleep! Praise be to God!<br /><br />Other than that, things have been the norm around here. Later!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-15715041936209656552007-02-22T20:26:00.000-06:002007-02-22T21:02:46.131-06:00Okay, I'm back. After not blogging for a week, Chad finally asked me if I just wasn't going to do it anymore. I said that I just hadn't taken the time, so he said to do it now. So here I am. We are expecting numero cinco some time late this fall. We just found out Sunday morning. Of course, we suspected as much. I was a little concerned about having had dental work done when I might have already been pregnant, but I know that I must trust God in this. After all, He knows all. I have my new gold tooth in now, by the way. It's so shiny! Just a sparkling smile! <br /><br />I had a really good conversation with my sister the other night. Some real bonding happened. She is 13 years younger than me, so we have not had much in common (other than our parents) until the last two or so years. I really feel for her being a young married woman with two small children, trying to balance work and family. It's not easy in those early years. She's doing well, though, and I am trying to encourage her when I talk to her. I know that we all need someone to encourage us. Her faith is growing in leaps and bounds, too, I noticed.<br /><br />There is one funny thing I wanted to write about before I forget it. Last week sometime, Saul and Esther were playing in the back yard together. Well, we suddenly hear screaming and yelling from them both. I assumed they were fighting and didn't move from where I was hanging clothes in Naomi's room since I saw Chad running out to see what all the commotion was. Come to find out, the neighbor's little terrier, Tina, had snuck in through the gate. She often comes in to play with Abram. Saul and Esther, in particular, do not enjoy her as much. Apparently, Esther was laying on the ground screaming and Saul was between Esther and the dog yelling when Chad arrived on the scene. Chad said that Saul would have been cursing if he knew how as he protected his sweet innocent little sister from the big evil dog. He was yelling something along the lines of "You get out of here or I'll ..." as he shook his fists with rage. The dog only wanted to play. Chad escorted her home and the excitement ended shortly thereafter. This is daily life at our house. I figured that Saul would be the protector type, and I think that I am right. He has a short fuse concerning things that he thinks are not right. He sure is a good boy. I just pray that those strong feelings that he has will be God-honoring in his life. I think that they will. Naomi has really been growing in her faith this last year. She is just as pleasant as can be. She accepted Christ as savior back in the fall. She hasn't been baptized yet because we moved right after she had done so. I prefer to do it at our current church since Chad will be able to baptize her here. Abram is understanding more and more each day too. He has a good heart. He believes in God but doesn't fully understand the need to be saved from his sins yet. He's close. I just keep watching and praying. More than anything else I want my children to be followers of Christ. I have faith that they will be. That reminds me- since Naomi found out that we are expecting another baby, she has been praying every chance she gets that we will have twin boys. I'm afraid it will happen because of the faith of her prayers. God knows best. That's all for now.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-30791179482421228262007-02-16T07:01:00.000-06:002007-02-16T07:18:44.206-06:00It's funny how the enemy can make us argue with the ones we love and are in agreement with over spiritual matters. Chad and I had words Wednesday night after church and again early Thursday morning. We threw out some accusations at each other and then didn't talk until lunch time yesterday. It had been awhile since I was last angry with him. It was good (now that we are on speaking terms again!). It all started when I asked him how the Q&A meeting on spiritual gifts had gone. I am attending a ladies' bible study so wasn't at the meeting that night. Well, as Chad began to fill me in with details (and he is very good at remembering details), I made a few faces about the subjects discussed. Chad and I are at different stages in our walk with the LORD and also have different personalities too, which I believe play into the whole thing. I mean, we are created uniquely, each one of us. We all have different life experiences that affect our faith. Chad got offended by my facial expressions, which I can understand, and then he decided I must be very close-minded because of it. Normally, we will give each other grace for differences in opinion. But not that night. It is amazing to both of us now how quickly things can escalate in those situations. I was mad and hurt. I don't know what he was feeling, but I'm sure it was about the same. We have since made peace- Chad approached me at lunch time to do so (I just wasn't up to extending the olive branch first). These trials always boost us along in our faith and our relationship as husband and wife. So, I am thankful. I sure didn't enjoy it though. Well, Saul is standing at my side asking for his morning banana. I must go now.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-86171764312586684362007-02-12T08:16:00.000-06:002007-02-10T14:30:20.786-06:00Saul is an eating machine! On Friday morning I made some scrambled eggs with cheese, sausage, and green onion tops in them. Well, while the other three kids picked at their plates, Saul gobbled his down and then finished off Abram's too. Green onions don't bother him any. Then this morning we just had instant oatmeal (which can be pretty filling), and he finished off Abram's bowl again. I cannot imagine the food this child is going to put away when he is fifteen. It's gonna be a fright!<br /><br />We had a good weekend. We put together another puzzle- this one is of a steam engine coming around the bend with lots of trees on each side of the track. Grandpa should like this one. Our life group went well. We talked about marriage and what the bible says about the roles of husband and wife. It was good. We feel it is important to know what marriage is all about and how to enjoy it.<br /><br />Today we start back in with school and work.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-63769323803755715262007-02-10T13:57:00.000-06:002007-02-08T23:21:19.407-06:00Chad and I went out with another couple last night for dinner. We had Japanese food. It was great. We had gone there before, so we knew what to expect- huge amounts of fried rice with shrimp, chicken, and steak cooked right before our eyes. The chef was good. He made quite a few wise-cracks. That is part of the job, you know, to entertain the guests, and they certainly do a good job of it. So you get entertainment and good food all at once. It is not outrageously expensive either. I had enough left over to have for lunch today. We probably could have fed our whole family with one plateful really. This was the first time Chad and I have had a date since we got back to Texas. It was about time, too. We will have to make it a habit again. It just takes a while to get started, that's all.<br /><br />Today we went to Wal-Mart to do some much-needed shopping. Naomi brought along her gift card from Christmas and purchased the dc talk <em>JesusFreak (10th anniversary) </em>cd. We have been listening to it here at home for the last two hours. I like it, too, which is good. I consider them to be kind of pioneers of pop Christian music. Third Day is probably who made Christian music really popular. I like both groups. I am amazed at the variety and talent of today's Christian artists. Whatever style of music you might like, there is most likely a Christian artist performing it. Isn't that great? I mean, music has such an influence on us. Chad and I haven't listened to anything else but Christian music for over five years now, and I love being out of the loop on secular artists. Not that they are all bad- many of them just don't honor God with their music. Doesn't mean they aren't talented. For me, trying to honor God with my life includes listening to music that encourages my Christian walk because the walk isn't easy. But oh-so worth it! I have been blessed many times over since trying to live for Him over the past ten years or so. I knew Him long before that, but didn't include Him in my daily decisions. Life is much more joyful now. There is hope even when things go wrong. <em>"For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the fogiveness of sins." </em> Colossians 1:13-14<br /><br />The kids listen over and over, until we tell them to stop, to a song on the cd in which Michael Tait of dc talk sings out of key, or alto or something, the song <em>JesusFreak.</em> It is funny the first few times, but the kids know how to run some things into the ground.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-82809328301667692122007-02-08T13:16:00.000-06:002007-02-08T13:47:20.752-06:00I only have a few minutes, so this will probably be short. I got my temporary cap put on my tooth Tuesday afternoon. That went well. I like my new dentist. I liked my last one, too, just new insurance doesn't cover him. My permanent crown will be gold. It goes on one of my molars on the bottom row. It will show slightly when I belly laugh. Maybe even when I smile- I have a big smile. Anyway, it is just another sign of growing older because I am not concerned about whether it shows or not. I just want it to be strong enough to last for many years (like until I have great-grandchildren). Yesterday I cleaned the house, partially anyway. We went to church last night. I started a new women's bible study titled <em>Walking by Faith: Lessons Learned in the Dark </em>by Jennifer Rothschild. It is only a seven-week study so that is not too long. I look forward to it. I'll have more info next week. Today has been schoolwork so far. It turned back cold today. High in the 30's compared to yesterday's upper 70's. That's okay- it's easier to keep the kids focused on their work when it is cold outside.<br /><br />Chad and I got back on our strict budget yesterday. For the past year, it has been rather casual. We're excited. It feels very good when we know exactly where we are spending. As Dave Ramsey says, we are controlling our money rather than it controlling us. Well, I am a little tired so I will head back to the classroom for the afternoon session before I fall asleep. Having the kids elbow me always helps to keep me awake, at least for a little while.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-5038468285787361342007-02-05T13:09:00.000-06:002007-02-05T13:24:54.631-06:00Colts won! I hardly watched any of the game, but I am glad they won. I would not have been upset had the Bears won, though. Chad pulled up some interviews with players from both teams for me to see before the game yesterday afternoon, and quite a few of them, along with both head coaches, are Christians who are strong in their faith. That was quite refreshing to see. And encouraging! I love to see men and women who confess their LORD. <br /><br />Life group was fun. The guys watched the game and the gals talked and the kids played. Everyone had a good time. The food was good. The fellowship was good. All in all it was a good evening. Only problem was that Chad and I did not get to bed as early as we should. He is very tired today. Of course, he also gets up about an hour earlier than I do. <br /><br />The kids start Echo tonight. It is a program at our church that teaches worship through the arts. I enrolled the kids in Hip Hop beginners. They will attend a class every Monday night for the next two months, and then our church has a worship night in which everyone is invited to come. It has always been wonderful and moving. Naomi has participated once before about two years ago. This will be Abram's first time. It will be good for them. They are always dancing here at home to the worship music, so I do not think they will have any problem practicing.<br /><br />Nap time. Gotta go.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-87065009223130973862007-02-04T15:05:00.000-06:002007-02-04T15:42:03.015-06:00Wow! I had my first comment from someone I didn't know. Kinda freaked me out. I'm recovering, though. I guess my life is just that sheltered that having a comment from someone I didn't know threw me off for a second. No, I did not know that Dr. Hovind is in jail for tax evasion. I do know that he knows his science, and that is what I like about him. He also loves God and Jesus Christ, and that is what I really like about him. Is he perfect? My all means, NO! But neither am I, yet we have the bond of Christ in us. I have to forgive as I have been forgiven, which is much.<br /><br />On to other things. Chad is home and had an awesome time at the men's retreat. He was a little short on sleep, though, which he is making up for at this time. We are glad to have him back, even though he was only gone for one night and part of the next day. I can't say how important his presence is in the home! I pray that more men would see how much they are needed by their families and not just with a paycheck either. I pray that more women would let their husbands know how much he is needed in the home, and not by nagging but with encouragement and respect. It made such a difference in our marriage when I began to respect Chad as the head of our household, and he has certainly stepped up into that rightful role and done a wonderful job. We are very happy together, yet we still have to make a point of putting the other before ourselves. And, most of all, God has to be at the center or you can never achieve the rest. God is faithful! <br /><br />We took the kids to a class on salvation, baptism and communion today. Abram had a hard time paying attention. He had already attended an hour long Sunday school class and that may have accounted for his inattentiveness. Naomi did better, but of course she is older. It was a good class, but I realized during it that Chad and I are the ones who need to teach them. And we have been doing so. <br /><br />Tonight we go to some friends' house for life group and the Superbowl. I don't know how much of it we will be able to watch. There are quite a few small children involved in our life group, including my own. I think we are supposed to have minestrone soup. Neither one of us is real familiar with it but should enjoy it. Our taste buds have certainly developed over the past few years. By the way, we ate at Golden Corral last night. The kids had received gift certificates from the dentist to eat there, so we did so. The vegetables were not nearly as tasty as the ones we steam at home. I have come to appreciate the natural taste of veggies without being drenched in butter, although I do still like to dip my fork in ranch dressing when eating them sometimes. Thankfully, none of the kids had stomach problems while we were there. The past two times we have eaten there, Saul was sick in a bad way. And not from their food. He apparently had the stomach problems before we went in. I felt so guilty both times about having a kid sick in the restaurant (not to mention that I did not get to eat) that I wanted to disappear. But that is part of life, isn't it! Remember, I am to find the joy in the trial now. I am to know that God will grow me in some way if I just persevere. That is so easy to say since I am not in the midst of a trial at this time. Well, this has been nice but I am done for now. Farewell, good friends.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-12070325883637647702007-02-03T11:52:00.000-06:002007-02-03T12:07:03.656-06:00Check out Dr. Kent Hovind's website. He heads up CSE Ministry. Creation Science Evangelism is his passion. He often debates evolutionists wherever they might be willing to meet with him. He has a great sense of humor and is highly knowledgeable in what he believes. I found him to be very interesting. Chad and I first heard of him in a Sunday school class that played his Creation Seminar Series which includes about seven DVDs. All very interesting and eye-opening. His website is <a href="http://www.drdino.com">www.drdino.com</a>.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-90390628341069964542007-02-02T17:18:00.000-06:002007-02-02T17:30:52.587-06:00It's Friday evening and the kids and I are about to order some pizza. Chad went to a men's retreat for tonight and tomorrow with a group from our church. I don't know what I'm going to do tonight- I can't read fiction or watch a movie. Ouch! This is when I feel the pain of fasting like I should. I'm sure God has some plans for me. Pray that I hear Him. Other than that, I don't have much to say. School is going well. Esther is potty-trained and only wearing diapers at night. I got my hair trimmed and am pleased with the results, and I made plans to get it high-lighted next time I go. That's all for now.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-41560972107964589342007-02-01T13:08:00.000-06:002007-02-01T13:26:04.239-06:00It's just after lunch, Thursday, and it is snowing. Big, fat flakes. I don't know if they will accumulate or not. Depends on how long it lasts, I guess. It is very cold today. Not as cold as IL, I'm sure, but still cold. I had a bowl of soup for lunch, and we are going to have leftover gumbo tonight- perfect for cold, damp weather. <br /><br />We attended a meeting at church last night concerning youth and for youth. It included many of the local church youth groups and was very informative on what youth are being bombarded with today. It was very encouraging to see so many teens in one room worshiping the Lord, probably upwards of 500, would be my guess. It really is a war for their very souls. Chad and I are doing battle for our own children, but I don't know how much we are doing for others. What would the Lord have me do, I wonder? I will just have to pray about it.<br /><br />Our dentist appointments went well. Chad grimaced a little over having to pay some money out of pocket for my checkup. I am going to start the process of getting my tooth crowned next week. I could have begun on Tuesday, but I just couldn't without sleeping on the price. My insurance won't cover a crown and it only costs $950. After I slept, I thought it was worth it and Chad agreed. That emergency fund sure is handy to have at a time like this. Well, it is time for naps and the afternoon school session. I'll have to go now.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276300327985046029.post-18213786939492621722007-01-30T08:16:00.000-06:002007-01-30T08:34:26.627-06:00I read an interview with Katie Couric in Reader's Digest yesterday. In the past she has said some things that I didn't like, but I thought I would give it another try and see what she had to say. Well, when asked if she thought it was important to give her girls two parents (her husband died of colon cancer in 1998), she replied in the answer "You don't need a traditional family to raise a child with a sense of security." That is true, but it helps don't you think. What I didn't like this time is that she went on to say, "Of course, father-daughter night at school drives me crazy because I think it is <em>so grossly insensitive.</em>" (Emphasis mine.) When I think of her sharing her opinion with millions of viewers every night, I cringe. To say that a school is insensitive to celebrate the father-daughter relationship on account of the families who have lost the father or never had one is unfair. She also made a slam against marriage in my opinion. Just in her tone, really; nothing that she said in particular. Anyway, read the article if you want. It is in the February 2007 issue. I just wanted to air my grievances.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13343356341907152067noreply@blogger.com0